In addition to making good business sense, how a company handles Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging is now guided by ISO (International Standards Organization). ISO formulated a set of standards with which a company can identify where they stand regarding how well they have addressed issues of Diversity and Inclusion. The alignment with these standards gives an indication of the inclusive fitness of organizations.

Companies can participate in a risk assessment centered on these standards. Based on a company’s answers, an Inclusion Score is provided. This score affects insurance rates and gives companies action items to address critical issues. The principles that affect your score include 4 Risk Groups, 10 Risk Categories, 32 Risk Domains, and 170 Risk Elements covering leadership, human resource practices, inclusive culture, supply chain management, sustainability, policies, etc. By getting an Inclusion Score, a company can reinforce its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Read more about the ISO Standards for Diversity and Inclusion.

An unfortunate side-effect of not focusing attention on D&I is billions of dollars in lawsuits that can cripple an otherwise prosperous business. It’s prudent to protect your assets while developing D&I processes. Inclusion Scores can begin to address marginalization, giving each person a voice while addressing the organization’s needs.